"Our spirits are good. We had an 8 a.m. practice last Saturday. And everybody was here," Panapada said. "I'm very happy to see this group still fighting. We're banged-up but the group -- especially the seniors -- keep pushing. I can't ask for more."

The Crusaders and Panapada would like to finish the 2013 season with a victory when they host Wilton on Thanksgiving morning at 10 a.m.

"This group is proud to be a part of Trinity Catholic football," Panapada said. "And I'm proud to be their coach. We're building something special. And this group will be the ones who got it started.

"Thursday is about our seniors going out on a winning note. They've put in four years of hard work. They deserve to go out on a winning note."

It won't be an easy accomplishment for Trinity Catholic (0-9, 0-10).

Wilton enters at 1-7 FCIAC, 3-7 overall. The Warriors are owners of a six-game losing streak but five of the defeats have come to FCIAC runner-up St. Joseph, potential state playoff participants Trumbull, Darien and Ridgefield along with FCIAC champion New Canaan.

"You play the schedule you're given. We went out every week thinking we could win," said Bruce Cunningham, Wilton's fifth-year head coach. "But this is life in the FCIAC."

But the contest is also an opportunity for Crusaders, like sophomore quarterback Johnny Somers and freshman running back Courtlyn Victrum (729 yards, 120 carries) to take another step forward in their development.

"Trinity has good talent at the skill positions and you usually get some healthy kids back for Thanksgiving," Cunningham said. "The ball hasn't bounced Trinity's way this season. They gave Warde all they could handle (a 13-7 loss). I saw their Darien game (a 56-29 loss) live and I was impressed the way they fought through the first half. I really like their linebackers on defense. Thomas Costigan is very tough."

Wilton's roster features just 12 seniors. It is a group that Cunningham will miss.

"I'm on record saying this 2013 group is one of my all-time favorite teams. And the seniors are the reason why," Cunningham said. "They have done everything I could ask for since off-season work started back in January. There's a huge amount of character, respect and leadership in the group. You hope it leaves a mark and our younger kids carry it forward."

With the game being played on Trinity Catholic's grass field, the inclement weather since Tuesday will have an effect.

There is no expectation for rain Thanksgiving morning but the wind should be in the mid-20-mph range. That and the muddy field conditions say running is a more likely option than passing.

In the center of everything on both sides of the ball for the Warriors is senior quarterback/press cornerback Brett Phillips.

"Wilton is a very physical team. Bruce Cunningham and his staff have them very well coached," Panapada said. "Wilton is an old school offense (triple-option backfield) compared to what you normally see today. Wilton wants to run at you. They play tough defense. Bruce (Cunningham) does wonders with limited roster numbers. Those kids play their butts off."

Playing on Thanksgiving Day is something that Panapada has had to get used to.

"I grew up very close to Stamford High School. And our tradition as kids was to wake up Thanksgiving morning and go to Boyle Stadium to watch the FCIAC championship football game," Panapada recalled. "Now every team gets to play on Thanksgiving. It's become a special holiday that goes hand in hand with football. We're looking for a reason to celebrate at dinner time."

Cunningham has been a fan of Thanksgiving football for some time.

"I played for the FCIAC Championship for Greenwich High back around 1990," Cunningham recalled. "Football on Thanksgiving just feels right in New England. A couple of hours of football, then home to enjoy dinner. It's a special treat on a special day.

"This will be our ninth Thanksgiving Day matchup with Trinity Catholic and it's 4-4 thus far. It seems like one team really takes control each meeting. Maybe this will be the year it's a very dramatic game."